The Story of Stratford Butterfly Farm

Over 35 years ago Clive Farrell had a dream to create an attraction that would introduce visitors to the wonderment of butterflies. This dream became a reality in July 1985 when Stratford-upon-Avon Butterfly Farm opened its gates to the public.

The Stratford Butterfly Farm has been welcoming visitors to its tropical butterfly paradise for over three decades. The idea and setting up of the Butterfly Farm was the passion of internationally renowned lepidopterist, Clive Farrell. The farm was officially opened on 24th July 1985 by botanist and naturalist, David Bellamy OBE.

Clive’s fascination with butterflies and nature began when he was five years old after finding a hairy caterpillar in his garden. He put it in a matchbox where it spun a cocoon and he watched it emerge as a beautiful Tiger Moth. It was a magical moment that has stayed with him. It is Clive’s hope that a visit to the Butterfly Farm will create such memorable moments for other generations to experience and be inspired by.

In 2016 the butterfly farm underwent an extensive refurbishment with a new Maya theme inspired by its link to the rainforests of Belize and the Fallen Stones Butterfly Farm, Stratford’s sister farm.

The work started in early January and culminated in a grand re-opening ceremony, with the High Commissioner of Belize, Perla Perdomo cutting the ribbon on Friday 22 July 2016. Alongside her were a number of Belizean diplomats, the Stratford-upon-Avon Mayor Cllr. Juliet Short and internationally renowned Maya Archaeologist, Dr Diane Davies, Clive Farrell and General Manager, Richard Lamb.

Since the refurbishment in 2016, Stratford Butterfly Farm has not rested on its laurels. New visitor toilet facilities were opened early 2017. December 2017 new colourful rainforest inspired pathways were laid throughout the Flight Area and in February 2020 the toilets and cloakroom were beautifully themed to the rest of the Butterfly Farm.

A new and exciting, Maya themed project is ready and waiting to be revealed when Stratford Butterfly Farm reopens in the not to distant future!

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Shakespeare's England

Shakespeare's England is the official destination management organisation for Stratford-upon-Avon,Warwick, Kenilworth, Royal Leamington Spa and the surrounding towns and villages.